Trump officials move to dismantle key protection for US endangered species
Summary
The Trump administration has changed the way the Endangered Species Act (ESA) defines "take," which means how harming or killing protected animals is counted under the law. Now, harm or killing must be intentional to count as illegal, which could reduce protections for many endangered species.Key Facts
- The ESA protects more than 1,600 endangered species in the U.S.
- The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) reinterpreted "take" to only include intentional harm or killing.
- This means accidental harm from activities like logging, mining, or traffic would not be illegal.
- In July, the administration removed the definition of harmful acts that included damaging animal habitats.
- Twenty states and Washington DC are suing the administration over this change.
- Environmental groups argue the reinterpretation goes against a 1995 Supreme Court ruling.
- The Interior Department says the new rule follows the original law's intent while keeping core protections.
- Critics say this change could lead to more endangered species going extinct.
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